Eastbank Esplanade

The Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade is a relatively short, paved trail that features delightful views of the Columbia River and its many attractions. Its route encompasses four Portland Bridges: the Hawthorne, where the trail begins, and the Morrison, Burnside, and Steel Bridge where the trail ends, providing connections with nearby neighborhoods and the McCall Waterfront Park. 

Fur-babies are welcome to stroll here with their humans, on leash. Birds and other wildlife can be spied to one side of the walkway, with fountains and other urban structures on the other. Benches line the trail for the best seats to view the attractions and the birds wheeling above. Thirteen urban markers along the Esplanade provide directions to and from the eastside portion of the city, and 22 interpretive signs describe Portland's history. Nighttime visitors are guided by attractive vintage lighting for safety. 

One of the goals the city officials were attempting to accomplish, along with building a pawrfect means of outdoor exercise in the city, is the habitat they created for fish, beavers, geese, other waterfowl and ducks. They even timed construction of the trail so as not to interfere with fish migration season.

Gracing the Esplanade are four pieces of local art that contain relevant features impawtant to Portland and its history as a fishing, cargo and transportation river, as well as reconstruction of the shape of the Willamette River before it was re-shaped by buildings, bridges and other structures. 

Besides a route for walking with your furry bestie, the esplanade includes outlets to a closer connection to the river, like boat and canoe launches, and docks for fishing or just sitting, enjoying the warm sun on your face. Runners and bicyclists, skaters and wheelchairs share the trail with walkers, so be sure to stay aware of faster traffic coming upon you from behind. 

Any time of year, this is a furtastic walk for dog and human, full of sights and sounds. Come to the river and see why this is a pupular destination for Portlanders seeking some outside time. It will become pupular for you and Fido, too!